Genotypic Characterization of Human Parvovirus B19 Circulating in the 2024 Outbreak in Tuscany, Italy

Human Parvovirus B19 (hB19V) is a widespread virus, causing erythema infectiosum in children and several clinical manifestations from acute to persistent infections in adults. In early 2024, ECDC reported an increased human Parvovirus B19 circulation in 14 European countries. A hB19V outbreak was also reported in Tuscany, Italy, prompting a detailed investigation of its genetic characteristics. In this context, through strict monitoring of circulating strains via next-generation sequencing (NGS), we carried out a phylogenetic analysis based on the whole of hB19V genomes. Phylogenetic clustering assigned all isolates to the G1a genotype, although with some mutations in NS1, VP1, and VP2, compared to the reference strains. Further characterization of these variants is necessary to fully assess their potential implications for public health. This study provides valuable insights into the spread of Parvovirus B19 and underlines the importance of continuous genomic surveillance to monitor and respond to possible hB19V epidemics that could impact public health.